A new feature film written and directed by Kitty Green.
The exploitation of young people in the working world - working long hours with low compensation and often with little respect, or even mistreatment - is nothing new, and can be seen in various films from documentaries to subplots of numerous mainstream feature films. More specifically even, the exploitation of young women, especially in the entertainment industry. Rarely, however, is a situation depicted as realistically as in The Assistant, and with such urgency. There are several reasons for that.
Actress Julia Garner plays the leading role, and while she is not a household name yet, she is becoming well-known on the small screen from her performance in the TV series Ozark, for which she has won two Emmys in the last two years. In this film, she how's her talent in a touching way, being visible in every scene of the film and thus amassing an unusual amount of screen time, and showing a wide range of emotions throughout. Supporting actors include Matthew Macfadyen, Kristine Froseth and Jon Orsini, among several other smaller roles and cameos.
The plot has been subject to many discussions, and is the main reason why I'm writing this review. Some viewers were complaining that there is not enough action, and that nothing is really wrong with the situation the young titular assistant finds herself in. After all, she has landed the job of working for a famous and influential film producer - who wouldn't be thankful for the opportunity? The main issue arising in her situation, however, is the dilemma of many employees: how much do you accept from an employer and work environment in general, and when is the moment when you have to speak up for yourself or others? And are you willing to face the consequences?
Recently, the film Bombshell has shed light on some of the horrible things happening at the TV channel Fox News int he past, under the watch of Roger Ailes. While this is one of the most famous and by now well-documented cases of sexual harassment and assault at the workplace, there are many other stories, and one can only assume how many of them are not known. In The Assistant, there is no predator with a famous name, but there are some allusions to real men such as Harvey Weinstein and Jeffrey Epstein.
Especially important in this story, and shown very well by writer and director Kitty Green, are the other people around. Who is complicit in the actions committed by some, and who profits in some way? And what kind of mechanisms are in place to protect employees? These questions are much more urgent than some of the actual crimes committed, because they involve more people and systemic structures and behaviour. In my opinion, there is plenty of action in this film, and also very deliberately shown inaction, and it is overall a very thought-provoking and important film in 2020.
(Currently in Swiss cinemas. 50 people maximum and safety measures, but generally speaking cinemas are very safe places if you follow the rules, so if you can support them please do.)